Landmark Designation on Bryn Mawr Avenue Stalls Demo

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks could bring to a halt a 95-unit apartment redevelopment with their designation of Bryn Mawr Avenue as a historic landmark.

Harlem Irving Companies was planning to demolish 1114 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, 1106 West Bryn Mawr Avenue and 5614 North Winthrop Avenue in order to build a mixed-use apartment complex on the sites. The developer has submitted demolition permit applications, according to Block Club Chicago.

However, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks has given a preliminary landmark recommendation — the first step in designating a place as an officially recognized historic site — to the Bryn Mawr avenue area. The landmark would cover Bryn Mawr Avenue from Broadway to Sheridan Road, including the area notable as Edgewater’s first business district. The landmarks commission granted Harlem Irving’s permit to take down 5614 North Winthrop and 1106 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, but denied 1114 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, which currently appears to be vacant.

The city notes that 1114 shows elements of “Classical Style,” but it’s not changed as drastically over the years as the other two, according to the outlet. The two-story building was built in 1909. By comparison, 5614 North Winthrop used to be AMP Social, and 1106 West Bryn Mawr houses the Edgewater Fitness Center.

During a public hearing Monday, both sides, Harlem Irving and the Department of Planning and Development, spoke to the landmarks commission. During the hearing, the outlet reported that Harlem Irving has already spent $6 million on the development since they bought it in 2020.

Harlem Irving argued that the Red Line, mere yards from the building in question, obscures enough of the historic elements to nullify the historic value, which is centered in the cornices. The Department of Planning and Development noted that the building meets the seven criteria for designation as a historic landmark. The final recommendation on the pending demolition permit will come on July 9.

— Hunter Cooke